1.23 Receiving & Identification
The receiving dock is not just where boxes land; it is the Process Firewall. This is the single control point where raw materials acquire their official factory identity, and the first critical check against supplier quality issues occurs. Every reel, tray, paste jar, and PCB must pass this gateway. When executed with discipline, receiving secures the complete traceability backbone and prevents costly material defects from ever reaching the production floor.
1.23.1 The Digital Gate: System Validation & ID
Before any material is processed physically, it must pass the digital gate. The receiving operator’s primary role is that of a Data Integrity Specialist.
The Core Mandate
- System Check First: Before opening any package, the operator must validate the supplier's Part Number (PN), Lot Code, and Quantity against the expected Purchase Order (PO) data in the MES/ERP system.
- The UID is the Passport: Once validated, a Unique ID (UID) label is printed. This internal 2D code (DataMatrix or QR) is the material's factory passport, linking the physical component to its complete digital history in the system.
- Status Sync: The MES/ERP record immediately assigns the initial status—usually SEALED — which dictates its handling and shelf life.
Data Capture Requirements
Accurate logging is non-negotiable. The system record must capture the following essentials to ensure compliant storage and process stability:
Material Type | Required Data Points (Must Log) | Rationale |
MSD Components (ICs, BGAs) | PN, Lot/Date Code, MSL, Supplier CoC# | Drives the moisture clock and dry cabinet control (5.4, 5.2). |
PCBs (Bare Boards) | PN, Revision, Finish, Lot/Date Code | Establishes solderability expectations and fit. |
Solder Paste/Flux | PN, Lot, Expiry Date, Storage Temp | Essential for cold chain compliance and print readiness (5.5). |
Standard Components | PN, Lot/Date Code, Quantity, UoM | Fundamental traceability for quality analysis. |
1.23.2 The Receiving Rhythm: Inspection and Labeling Flow
The physical process moves in a continuous, controlled flow: Unpack – Inspect – ID – Route.
Inspection & Integrity
- Stage Safely: Place materials on an ESD-safe bench. Handle component packaging gently; never cut near Moisture Barrier Bag (MBB) seals.
- Visual Check: Confirm the shipping carton is intact (no crushing, punctures, or water marks).
- Physical Integrity: Unpack the item to its unit level (reel, tray, tube). Perform the integrity check:
- MBBs: Must be sealed. HIC (Humidity Indicator Card) and desiccant must be visible and undamaged. (Do not open MBBs at receiving.)
- Chemistries: Jars/cartridges must be intact, and the expiry date must be well in the future.
- PCBs: Check the vacuum seal and confirm the correct finish and revision.
UID Labeling Standard
The UID label must be printed from the MES/ERP only after the integrity check is passed and the record is complete.
- Placement Rule: The UID goes on the immediate container (reel hub, tray corner, jar sidewall).
- Critical Constraint: Place the UID beside, not over, the supplier's lot code, MSL triangle, or any original quality markings. Covering essential supplier data breaks traceability.
Final Routing
Materials are routed immediately based on their sensitivity: MSDs – Dry Cabinet (5.2); Paste/Flux – Cold Storage (5.5); Others – ESD Racking.
1.23.3 Immediate Risk Stop: Quarantine and MRB Authority
If any incoming material fails an integrity check, is damaged, or its identity is questionable, the process stops. The operator must issue a Red Tag and move the material to QUARANTINE immediately.
What Triggers a Quarantine (Red Tag):
- Any physical damage (crushed cartons, torn MBBs).
- Missing HIC or desiccant from an MBB.
- Wrong material received (PN or Revision mismatch).
- Expired solder paste or flux.
- Signs of counterfeiting (spelling errors, over-stickers, odd fonts).
Managerial Action (IMD/MRB)
Quarantine requires two simultaneous actions:
- Logging: Create an Incoming Material Defect (IMD) ticket in the system, including photos of the issue. This data feeds directly into the Supplier Quality Rating (SQR).
- Authority: Nothing leaves quarantine without formal disposition from the Material Review Board (MRB). The receiving operator's responsibility is to stop the material and notify Quality/Engineering.
Acceptance Cues (Fast Table)
Area | Accept Criteria (Go) | Reject Criteria (Stop) |
Identity | PN/Rev match the PO; Labels are legible. | PN mismatch; Unknown revision. |
MSD Packs | MBB sealed; HIC & desiccant visible. | Torn MBB; No HIC/desiccant present. |
Condition | Carton and inner packs clean/intact. | Crushed, wet, punctured, seal wrinkled. |
Chemistries | Expiry date is in the future. | Expired; Missing storage temperature label. |
System Status | UID label printed; MES status is SEALED. | Handwritten labels only; No MES entry. |
1.23.4 Common Traps and Reliable Fixes
Trap | Symptom | Smallest Reliable Fix |
Opening MBB "just to check" | Moisture clock starts early, wasting floor life. | Do Not Open. Rely on visual check through the bag. |
Covering supplier data | Can’t read MSL/lot later during kitting. | Place UID beside, not over, supplier labels. |
Mixed lots in one container | Traceability is broken and confused. | Separate UIDs by lot number; always re-bin and label. |
No photos on damage | Supplier disputes the claim, delaying replacement. | Photo all six sides and close-ups before moving material. |